Eat a Healthy Diet for CKD

We literally are what we eat—we build our cells out of our food. So, if you eat mostly fast food and drink sugary sodas, you may be able to improve your kidney health by eating better foods. Studies have found that eating more fresh vegetables, fruit*, and low fat dairy and less saturated fat, starches, and sweets may help slow CKD.

Some doctors believe a diet lower in some proteins can help slow kidney disease. Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian who specializes in treating those with chronic kidney disease. A dietitian can help you learn how to keep your kidneys healthy longer by eating the right foods. Don't limit your protein until you have talked about it with your doctor or dietitian.

Control Your Blood Sugar Levels

If you have diabetes, stay at a healthy weight, exercise, and take medications as prescribed to keep your blood glucose in the "normal" range. Tight control of blood sugar can help slow the progression of kidney disease. Your HbA1c levels, which measure your blood sugar control over a period of 3 months, should be less than 6.5%.

Quit Smoking

In people with CKD, smoking is linked to an increase in the amount of protein spilled in the urine. In smokers with diabetes, CKD may progress twice as fast. Scientists are not sure why this is the case, but if you have kidney disease and you smoke, quitting may help slow down the damage.

Avoid Certain Pain Medications

Some over-the-counter pain pills containing ibuprofen or naproxen, and even acetaminophen (e.g., Motrin®, Advil®, Aleve®, Tylenol®) can affect kidney function. This is especially true if you have kidney, heart, or liver disease or you take diuretics (water pills). Avoid using combinations of these pain pills and caffeine—both at once can further damage your kidneys.

Exercise

With your doctor's okay, start an exercise program to control weight and keep your heart and blood vessels healthy and your muscles and joints in good working order. Although written for people on dialysis, Exercise: A Guide for People on Dialysis has useful information to help anyone with a chronic illness get more exercise.

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